If you’re a fan of citrus desserts, this Orange Cake recipe is a must-try. With its bright, zesty flavor and moist texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. This cake brings together the tanginess of lemon and the sweetness of orange in a delightful Bundt cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
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The Best Orange Cake Recipes
Orange cakes are a classic treat that can be enjoyed all year round. This particular recipe, handed down from Angie LaSala, is touted as the best by those who’ve tried it. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful cake that combines a yellow cake mix with instant lemon pudding, orange juice, and a buttery orange glaze. The result? A cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Notes on Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the combination of store-bought and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Yellow Cake Mix and Lemon Pudding Mix: These provide the base for the cake and the lemony undertone.
- Orange Juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy kick to the cake.
- Vegetable Oil and Eggs: These ingredients ensure a moist and rich cake.
- Lemon Extract: Enhances the citrus flavor.
For the glaze:
- White Sugar, Orange Juice, and Unsalted Butter: This trio creates a shiny, sweet-tangy glaze that takes the cake to the next level.
How to Make Orange Cake
Step 1: Preparation Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily.
Step 2: Mixing the Batter In a large bowl, stir together the cake mix and pudding mix. Create a well in the center and pour in the orange juice, oil, eggs, and lemon extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on low speed until blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat on medium speed for about 4 minutes until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Baking the Cake Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The cake should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely, which should take around 20 more minutes.
Step 4: Preparing the Glaze Once the cake has cooled, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, cook the sugar, orange juice, and butter over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
Step 5: Glazing the Cake Transfer the cake to a serving platter and drizzle the warm glaze over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake and drip down the sides.
How to Serve Orange Cake
Serve this delightful orange cake at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The bright citrus flavors make it an excellent dessert for spring and summer gatherings, but it’s also a refreshing treat any time of the year.
How to Store Orange Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. If you prefer, you can also freeze the cake (without the glaze) for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature and add the glaze before serving.
Nutrition information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 374.59 kcal | 19% |
| Total Fat | 18.85 g | 27% |
| Carbs | 48.5 g | 19% |
| Sugars | 13.07 g | 15% |
| Protein | 3.88 g | 8% |
| Sodium | 355.62 mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 0.44 g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.73 g | 24% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01 g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7.35 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.89 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 72.51 mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 61.83 mg | 8% |
| Magnesium | 8.21 mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 100.14 mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.54 mg | 4% |
| Zinc | 0.33 mg | 3% |
| Phosphorus | 202.96 mg | 29% |
| Vitamin A | 74.97 µg | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 11.5 mg | 14% |
| Thiamin B1 | 0.06 mg | 5% |
| Riboflavin B2 | 0.1 mg | 7% |
| Niacin B3 | 0.22 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.07 mg | 5% |
| Folic Acid B9 | 18.07 µg | 9% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.19 µg | 8% |
| Vitamin D | 0.34 µg | 2% |
| Vitamin E | 1.38 mg | 12% |
| Vitamin K | 11.36 µg | 15% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs About Orange Cake
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of store-bought?
Yes, fresh orange juice can enhance the flavor even more. Just make sure to strain it to remove any pulp.
What if I don’t have lemon extract?
You can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract, though the citrusy flavor will be slightly less intense.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake stays moist for days, so you can make it a day or two in advance. Just store it properly to maintain its freshness.
How can I tell if the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when it’s golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
The Best Orange Cake Recipes
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 15.25 ounce package yellow cake mix
- 1 3 ounce package instant lemon pudding mix
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
Glaze:
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan.
- Make the cake: Stir cake mix and pudding mix together in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in orange juice, oil, eggs, and lemon extract. Beat on low speed with an electric mixer until blended. Scrape the sides of the bowl, then beat on medium speed for 4 minutes. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely, about 20 more minutes.
- When the cake has cooled, make the glaze: Cook sugar, orange juice, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat for 2 minutes.
- Transfer cake to a serving platter and drizzle glaze over top.
Enjoy baking and indulging in this delightful orange cake, and don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly!